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Bernard McKENNA Obituary
McKenna was born in New York City and lived in Detroit, Chicago, Williamsburg, Va., and Tucson, Ariz.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anne Jean; sons, William C., Paul G., and Michael G.; daughter, Geralyn; and 13 grandchildren.
McKenna spent his career in banking and equipment leasing. He retired from Sanwa Business Credit Corp., in 1993 after 13 years, the last 10 of which were as President and CEO, of this $7.5 billion business finance company. Prior to Sanwa he was with Ford Motor Credit for 10 years where he started the equipment leasing business and financing business and various other leasing and banking firms. He was also a Director of the Equipment Leasing & Financing Association from 1977-1989 and Chairman from 1985-1987.
McKenna was listed in Marcuis Who's Who in the World in 1989-1990, and prior to that in Who's Who in Finance, in the Midwest, and in Wards Automotive World. He was active in many charities and non-profits including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from 1964-1993, serving as chapter president in NY (Long Island), Detroit and Chicago and as a National Trustee from 1975-1982. Additionally he was a director of the National Conservatory of Music from 1985-1992 and as Vice-Chairman from 1988-1992. He was a director of Royal Aloha Vacation Club from 1990-2006, and a number of corporations and HOA's over the years.
McKenna always felt that his greatest achievement was as Chairman of a fund raising drive for St. Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg, Va. His committee raised $14.5 million to build the 1,600 seat church.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, Va. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, May 3, at 11 a.m. at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd., Williamsburg, and he will be laid to rest in the columbarium at St. Bede. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernard McKENNA
Christopher O'Meara
May 5, 2010
Mr. Mckenna was a great freind and neighobor. He will be remembered for all the good things he has done for others. God Bless You and all the Mckenna family
May 5, 2010
Dear Aunt Anne and the entire McKenna family,
Peace to each of you as you begin to cope with your loss. "Bernard" means brave bear and describes the way I will remember him. He was strong and gentle at the same time.
Love,
Ellen McCabe
May 4, 2010
Dear Anne and Family,
So sorry to hear of "Uncle Bernards" passing. He was truly a kind and generous man who always gave me great advice when I asked for it. Really sorry I couldn't make the funeral with Dolly and Jack. He will be missed.
All the best
John McCabe (godson)
William Montgomery
May 4, 2010
Dear Anne,
Maggie and I have just learned the sad news of Bernie's passing and we offer our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
It was our good fortune to be your friends in our careers in business and our honor to serve with Bernie in our industry association over many years.
He was a fine man, a solid citizen, and we mourn his loss.
With warmest regards,
Bill and Maggie Montgomery
May 4, 2010
Dear Anne, Bill, Paul, Geralyn, and Mike,
It's with great sadness and a loss that I write this guest book entry. I want to give each one of you a hug and be there, but cannot today. Your dad had been there for me my whole life and I miss him, too.
He left a legacy and big shoes to fill. He will always be a special person to all of the McCabe family and the Shubat family, too.
With Love,
Mary Beth
Alan Fischer
May 3, 2010
Dear Anne,
I just learned of Bernie's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time. While our paths haven't crossed in recent years, know that Laraine and I cherish our friendship. I spent decades working closely with Bernie and being with him always enlarged life. His warmth and caring always made a difference. While there is little to say at a time like this, we want you to know that we are thinking of you and pray that his memory will be a blessing to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Alan and Laraine
Loretta Dick
May 1, 2010
Dear Ann, It is with much sorrow that Dennis and I learned of Bernie's passing. He was very much a mentor to me so soon after losing my own father to cancer in 1984. He was a wonderful man who never lost sight of what it means to be a real hero to others. He never placed himself above others and made Sanwa one of the absolute best places to work. Sanwa always felt like an extended family. We will also miss his great sense of humor. We hope you are doing well. Sincerely, Dennis and Loretta Dick
Helen Price
May 1, 2010
Bernie was our neighbor in Academy Village, Tucson, and we miss him. He was a good man.
Jim & Karen Possehl
April 30, 2010
Bernie was always someone to admire, alway held the high ground. The industry is a bettter place as a result of Bernie McKenna and he will be missed but everyone who knew him will remember him fondly and with tremendous respect. We certainly will.
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Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
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